Economic ties with Beijing may be easing but with caution, says FM Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman
on Saturday indicated the possibility of stepping up India-China business engagement, stating that various domestic stakeholders have been calling on the government to facilitate greater access to the Chinese market and investments, and that Beijing has also reached out for the purpose.
"There is something, some kind of a beginning. As to how far it will go that's something we have to wait and see. But it might help the economy. However, a sense of caution would have to be built into it," Sitharaman said. She was speaking at a function held in Delhi for the release of a book in honour of economist Shankar Acharya.
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Bilateral trade a priority
India
had put in place greater checks on
foreign direct investment
(FDI) from China and other bordering nations, suspended tourist visas and banned scores of Chinese apps after the Galwan clash in 2020 in Ladakh, initiated by Beijing's troops. The measures coincided with the onset of Covid-19.
Later, the government extended visas to certain Chinese professionals to push the completion of Indian renewable projects.
This week, India resumed tourist visas to the neighbouring country. In March, Beijing lifted visa curbs on Indian citizens.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar this month visited China for the first time in six years and met President Xi Jinping amid efforts from both sides to reset ties.
Sitharaman also said trade talks with the US and the European Union are going well. 'It is bilateral trade which is taking priority over multilateral trade,' she said, referring to the changed global environment.
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The Wire
29 minutes ago
- The Wire
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE® UNVEILS NEARLY 500 VOYAGES WORLDWIDE DURING PEAK 2027 TRAVEL SEASON
NCL to deploy eight ships in Europe including Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, with 10 embarkation ports, multiple overnight stays & late night departures. With an Expanded Focus on Seven-Day Voyages and Weekend Departures, NCL Delivers Guests MORE Opportunities and Easy Access to Explore the World. MUMBAI (28 July 2025) - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 58-year history of breaking boundaries, has revealed its Northern Hemisphere spring/summer 2027 deployment – allowing travellers to get ahead on planning their ideal holiday. The season features nearly 500 individual voyages across 20 ships, departing from nearly 30 of the world's top homeports, including Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Southampton, England; Helsinki, Finland; Istanbul, Turkey; Copenhagen, Denmark and Reykjavik, Iceland. From April through October 2027, NCL's spectacular fleet of ships will call to over 150 unique ports across 59 countries delivering immersive itineraries with MORE time in port, including over 170 overnight stays in the most sought-after destinations such as Istanbul, Turkey; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Copenhagen, Denmark. Whether planning a quick escape or longer adventure, the newly opened deployment delivers MORE opportunities for guests to make the most out of the prime travel season. 'With our most expansive deployment yet, we're giving Indian guests even more ways to explore the world—with itineraries now open from 2025 through 2027,' said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director of NCL APAC. 'From more ways to enjoy an exhilarating Alaska holiday to more seven-day Mediterranean and Northern Europe sailings we're delivering more of what matters to our guests: longer port stays, more overnight calls, more value and greater flexibility to create the perfect cruise holiday.' 'We're proud to be the cruise line of choice for travelers who want MORE out of their vacation – MORE freedom, MORE destinations and MORE unforgettable experiences,' said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. 'Our spring and summer 2027 deployment clearly brings our promise to life, offering something for everyone. Whether guests are hopping between European cities nearly every day, taking in Alaska's natural beauty from ships custom-built to bring the outdoors in, or kicking back on the beach with family and friends at one of our two resort-style destinations, there's no shortage of ways to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories.' Itinerary highlights from NCL's Northern Hemisphere spring/summer 2027 deployment include: EXPLORE EUROPE WITH MORE SEVEN-DAY VOYAGES, OVERNIGHTS & LATE DEPARTURES NCL will deploy eight ships, including some of the brand's newest and recently renovated vessels, across Europe. Offering mostly seven-day itineraries that begin and end on weekends, guests have the option to sail from 10 popular embarkation ports, including Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Reykjavik, Iceland. These port-intensive voyages spend over 90% of their time in port with an average stay of nearly 11 hours and feature multiple overnight stays in cities like Istanbul, Turkey; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Hamburg, Germany, as well as late-night departures from favourites like Santorini, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Ibiza, Spain, giving guests MORE time to explore Europe's most captivating destinations. In spring/summer 2027, Norwegian Prima® and Norwegian Viva® will return to European waters offering a variety of nine-to-11-day voyages across the continent. Norwegian Viva will sail the Western Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries from June through October from four different homeports: Istanbul, Turkey; Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia) and Ravenna (Venice), Italy. Meanwhile, Norwegian Prima will offer Mediterranean voyages, featuring maiden calls to Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia and Kotor, Montenegro. For the majority of the summer, she will make her return to Northern Europe to operate guest-favorite open-jaw voyages to Iceland and Norway, departing from Southampton, England, and Reykjavik, Iceland. In September and October 2027, Norwegian Prima will close out her Europe season with three Baltic open-jaw sailings, which will also mark her inaugural turnaround in Helsinki, Finland and her maiden call in Riga, Latvia. In addition to its newer and larger ships, NCL strategically deploys its mid-size ships to the region to deliver more intimate, destination-focused voyages allowing guests to explore must-see and lesser-known ports with ease. Aboard Norwegian Sun®, travellers can sail seven-day, port-intensive Mediterranean itineraries with no sea days between May and August 2027 departing for the first time from Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Ravenna), Italy. These open-jaw sailings include maiden calls to historic bucket list ports including Corfu, Greece. Moreover, Norwegian Jewel® will return to Europe for a full season for the first time in over a decade, offering seven- and nine-day Baltic voyages between Copenhagen, Denmark and Helsinki featuring first-time visits to Klaipeda, Lithuania; Riga, Latvia; and Gdynia, Poland - ideal for guests seeking to dive into cities that boast Medieval architecture and history as well as modern art, design and culture in Northern Europe. Rounding out the season, Norwegian Epic® will offer NCL's ever-popular seven-day Western Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Spain and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy from May through October 2027, providing travellers the opportunity to explore each destination pre- or post-cruise for an extended vacation. Norwegian Dawn® will also offer scenic open-jaw sailings from May through October 2027 between Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal, providing even more ways to experience the best of Southern Europe by sea. MORE WAYS TO ENJOY ALASKA ABOARD SHIPS CUSTOM-BUILT FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS With the global rise of 'coolcations,' holidays to cooler climates, Alaska is the prime destination to experience an exhilarating holiday. Commencing in late April, NCL's Alaska season sets sail from Seattle; Whittier, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia aboard Norwegian Encore®, Norwegian Bliss® and Norwegian Joy®, each of which were custom-built for the destination with expansive outdoor and indoor spaces to marvel at the natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and the area's rich wildlife as well as Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy will sail seven-day voyages departing each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Seattle's Pier 66. Furthermore, Norwegian Joy will offer longer and more immersive nine- and 10-day voyages from mid-May to mid-June as well as end of August to end of September. Beginning 10 May 2027 through 20 Sept. 2027, Norwegian Jade® will cruise a series of seven-day open-jaw sailings between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska and feature iconic scenic cruising along Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay on each voyage. 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Beginning in late 2025, Great Stirrup Cay will debut a series of enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience, including a new multi-ship pier that ensures guaranteed access to the island; a convenient tram service for ease; an oversized heated pool perfect for relaxing under the sun; as well as the extension of popular onboard experiences ashore, such as an adult-only retreat with private cabanas, and Horizon Park, a family-friendly recreation area with lawn games and gathering spaces. These updates to NCL's private island come as it's expanding its Caribbean and Bahamas deployment for the spring/summer 2027 season. Guests will have eight ships to choose from including some of the Company's newest, Norwegian AquaTM and Norwegian Viva®, as well as easy access with embarkation ports across Florida. Another popular island destination best enjoyed during the spring and summer is Bermuda, with voyages departing from Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. In 2027, three NCL ships will sail to Bermuda as part of the cruise line's seven-month season, including Norwegian Breakaway®, Norwegian Pearl® and to-soon-be the Company's newest ship – Norwegian Luna®. Running from April through October, guests will have MORE opportunities than ever to experience the island's pink sand beaches, historical sites and lush green golf courses through overnights at the Royal Naval Dockyard on each sailing. Moreover, both Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Pearl will sail Canada & New England itineraries from 29 Aug 2027 to 17 Oct. 2027 calling to the most picturesque ports, including Charlottetown, Canada and Quebec City. Onboard these voyages, guests can savor the picturesque scenery of the Northeast tinted with the changing fall foliage, feast on fresh, local seafood delicacies and enjoy wine tastings at regional wineries and estates. 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Fashion Value Chain
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Gifts World Expo 2025 Wraps Up on a High Note with 35,822 Visitors, Robust Business Interactions, and Industry Momentum
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Power Plus and Castillo Milano onboarded as Lanyard Sponsors, while 6Wresearch as the Knowledge Partner for Gift Talks. The show also received support from Partner Associations including the Handloom Handicraft Exporters Welfare Association (HHEWA) and National Jute Board. Meanwhile the show also received support from Supporting Associations including Corporate Gifts Association of India (CGAI), Pen & Stationery Association of India, and the Federation of Maharashtra Stationery Manufacturers & Traders Association (FMSMTA). Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. said, 'This edition surpassed our expectations, in turnout, in energy, and in the quality of business interactions. From curated pavilions to insightful panel discussions, everything was designed to empower the industry's next phase. We've seen buyers making strategic choices, exhibitors showcasing innovations that resonate, and the ecosystem responding with fresh optimism. We thank our partners, brands, and visitors for making this an exceptional edition.' Beyond sheer scale, this year's edition made a clear statement on where the Indian gifting industry is headed. From gourmet hampers and wedding gifts to electronic gadgets & home appliances, stationery & office supplies to beauty, health and wellness gifts, the show floor reflected the market's growing appetite for differentiated, purpose-driven offerings. Key focused areas Wedding Gifts and Stationery World Pavilion stood out for drawing consistent engagement. Brands such as Abhinandans Inc., Adidas, Vinod Cookware, Brillare Life Sciences, Idea Crafts, Bugatti, Sarla Mills, EVERWEAR, Indi Colour, Pikmee, Luggero, Red Ribbons Gifting, and Veda Connection amongst others created strong traction, representing a new wave of exhibitors ready to meet India's evolving gifting demands. The Hosted Buyer Programme added further value to the show by facilitating structured meetings between pre-verified buyers and relevant exhibitors. This gave a very positive direction to the three-day event, as exhibitors ended the day with much excitement and insights. Adding to this momentum, exclusive attractions across the showfloor elevated the sourcing experience. The Start-Up & Innovation Zone introduced disruptive ideas, while the Stationery World Pavilion drew large crowds. The Sustainable Products Zone impressed with eco-conscious offerings from brands like Bio Q, 9 Cork, and Spectrus Sustainable. Meanwhile, the Trending Products Showcase and Entertainment Zone brought energy, engagement, and a touch of inspiration to the overall experience. Closing on a strong note, Day 3 of Gift Talks sparked conversations around scaling, funding, and digital evolution in the gifting industry. The session on Expanding Your Business Globally: Understanding Export Opportunities and Challenges opened up perspectives on tapping into global trade. This was followed by an engaging panel on Discussing the Role of Startups & Large Enterprises in Attracting Angel Investment, where the startup ecosystem took center stage. Wrapping up, Digital Marketing for Gifting and Stationery Businesses spotlighted how social media, SEO, and online platforms are reshaping sales and brand outreach. With the Delhi chapter drawing to a close, Gifts World Expo now heads to Bengaluru scheduled for 11-13 September 2025, with an eye on expanding industry conversations, unlocking fresh markets, and keeping India's gifting trade network dynamic and growth-oriented. Building on the momentum of Delhi, the Bengaluru edition promises extensive outreach and category innovation. Taking a significant step forward, a pivotal announcement was made during the grand opening of Gifts World Expo Delhi 2025. The organisers of Paperworld India, Corporate Gifts Show, and Gifts World Expo officially announced the merger of their exhibition portfolios. As a result, the upcoming February 2026 Mumbai edition of Gifts World Expo will witness the transformation of the long-established Corporate Gifts Show, now set to be rebranded under the Gifts World Expo umbrella. About the Organiser MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. is an international exhibition company with a strong presence of over four decades in the advertising industry, over 28 years in publishing & 23 years in exhibitions. The company has produced more than 100 market-leading trade exhibitions for various segments in addition to publishing various magazines & advertising trade directories of repute. Successful exhibitions are conducted all over India, Dubai, Singapore, Canada and Thailand. For more details, visit our website at:
Indian Express
29 minutes ago
- Indian Express
This Made-in-China humanoid robot is set to mainstream the market for under $6,000
While US tech companies are still setting their vision for a robotic future, a China-based company is already on a mission to mainstream humanoid robots with a $5,900 model. In fact, Unitree Robotics' latest humanoid robot, called the R1, costs even less than the MG Comet EV. That's how serious the Chinese robotics firm seems to be about popularising the mass adoption of humanoid robots. In a video posted on the social media platform X, the R1 humanoid robot is seen performing a cartwheel, walking on its 'hands,' throwing a punch, lying down and then standing back up, and running down a hill, showcasing how advanced the humanoid robot is. The robot weighs around 25 kg, stands about four feet tall, and is equipped with a Large Multimodal Model to handle complex tasks. The R1 also features an ultra-wide view and a four-microphone array to help it recognize voices and images and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. The R1 is the most affordable humanoid robot on the market. The Hangzhou-based unicorn, located in Zhejiang Province, had earlier launched two humanoids: the G1, which stands 130 cm tall and weighs 35 kg, and the H1, which stands 180 cm tall and weighs 47 kg. They are priced starting at 99,000 yuan ($13,838) and 650,000 yuan ($90,858), respectively. China has hundreds of robotics companies, unlike India, that are developing advanced humanoid robots and competing with US tech firms. While Unitree Robotics' humanoid robot costs just $5,900, the AI community Hugging Face last month unveiled a full-sized, open-source humanoid robot named HopeJR, priced at only $3,000. In the US, billionaire Elon Musk has expressed interest in manufacturing advanced humanoid robots in the future. Tesla's Optimus robot, which is not yet commercially available, could cost under $20,000 if annual production reaches one million units, though final pricing would depend on market demand. Unitree Introducing | Unitree R1 Intelligent Companion Price from $5900 Join us to develop/customize, ultra-lightweight at approximately 25kg, integrated with a Large Multimodal Model for voice and images, let's accelerate the advent of the agent era!🥰 — Unitree (@UnitreeRobotics) July 25, 2025 'Our goal is to make a useful humanoid robot as quickly as possible,' Musk said during the launch event in 2022. He added that it could eventually 'help millions of people,' but its initial applications will be within Tesla's car factories. Humanoid robots are among the finest examples of how artificial intelligence can be deployed to create robots, a vision humans have long imagined, such as performing home chores or working in factories. Companies like Boston Dynamics have worked for years on humanoid robots but have so far produced only prototypes. Currently, robots are already widely deployed in factories. However, in homes and restaurants, the use cases have been limited to robots with simpler abilities, like wheeled delivery bots. Previously, Amazon tried its hand at making a home robot called Astro, a household camera-equipped tablet on wheels but it has so far failed to take off.
